A baby is born
Autocrats in today's world, much like Herod the Great of the Roman Empire, are unsettled by the birth of a baby.
Autocrats in today's world, much like Herod the Great of the Roman Empire, are unsettled by the birth of a baby. This baby, born in a manger, is feared to become a subversive force. The Zealots of that time placed their political hopes for 'Making Judea Great Again' on this newborn, whom they hoped would become the king of the Jews. Yet, to their dismay, this king possessed neither the beauty nor the majesty to attract people to him. He spoke the truth, but the truth was sometimes politically incorrect and spiritually offensive. He had no interest in becoming the party's nominee, claiming, 'My kingdom is not of this world.'
He lived a brief life on Earth, having acquired no property in his name, no family of his own, nor any honorary titles or fancy degrees. He traveled for work but was not considered well-traveled by today's standards. His only trip abroad was to Egypt at an infant's age, as an asylum seeker (possibly undocumented). He performed miracles and became a local influencer. However, he was later sentenced to death by crucifixion by the very people he deeply loved. His followers dispersed, including one of his closest disciples who rushed to disassociate himself from him. In the eyes of the world, he is seen as a tragic king.
Yet, two thousand years on, the world has seen many regime changes and technological evolution from papyrus to Generative AI, His name is still called upon this day from the mountains to the sea. His message spreads even in the most hostile lands. This 'foreign agent' from the Middle East came into the world to tear down walls and man-made idols, to expose institutions, fruitless theories, foolish talks, and toxic ideologies. Philosophers sought to dethrone him but failed; fact-checkers questioned him, yet many became his followers.
Herods of both today and yesterday are correct: He is a revolutionary and subversive, the greatest threat to rule by fear and falsehood. But to humanity, he is a precious gift, bringing life to a fallen world.